In-Line Glove Handling Integration for Continuous Stacking and Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing glove production processes lack an integrated automated system for handling elastically compressible articles, leading to inefficiencies, increased labor costs, contamination risks, and space occupancy due to separate stacking, counting, and packaging systems.
Innovation Solution
An integrated in-line processing system that seamlessly combines stripping, conveying, counting, stacking, and packaging units, utilizing semi-rollers, dual conveyors, elevatable trays, and packaging mechanisms to streamline the process and minimize manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate stacking, counting, and packaging systems are used, then each function can be performed independently, but the system occupies more workspace and requires manual transfers between machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines stacking, counting, and packaging functions into a single integrated machine. The stacking unit, counting unit, and packaging unit are all housed within one machine structure, allowing gloves to be processed continuously from one location without manual transfer between separate machines, thereby reducing workspace occupancy while maintaining functional independence through modular internal design.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate stacking, counting, and packaging systems are used, then each process can be optimized independently, but manual transfers between machines cause delays and contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated machine enables continuous processing of gloves through all stages (stacking, counting, packaging) without interruption or manual transfer. The gloves move continuously on a conveyor system from the stripping unit through stacking, counting, and packaging units within the same machine, eliminating idle time and contamination risks associated with manual handling between separate machines.
3Extent of automation
If automated packaging systems are introduced, then labor costs and packaging speed improve, but the system becomes more complex and requires integration with existing stacking and counting machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves integration complexity by incorporating the packaging unit within the same machine structure that houses stacking and counting units. This unified design eliminates the need to integrate separate automated packaging systems with existing machines, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high automation levels across all functions.
4Productivity
If in-line processing system is implemented, then production efficiency and workspace optimization are improved, but the system requires sophisticated coordination of multiple units
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated machine uses a universal conveyor system and control mechanism that serves all units (stacking, counting, packaging). The single integrated control system coordinates all operations through a unified architecture, reducing coordination complexity compared to managing multiple separate systems while maintaining high production efficiency and optimized workspace utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments of the present invention pertain to the broad technical domain of automation, with a specific focus on in-line processing of elastically compressible articles. More precisely, the present invention relates to a system and method for automated handling of elastically compressible article such as picking/stripping, stacking, counting, and packaging of the elastically compressible articles. More particularly, the present invention provides and in-line processing system and method, connecting these stages seamlessly to enhance overall article production efficiency.